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Series co-creator says Jussie Smollett will not return to 'Empire'

Actor Jussie Smollett will not return for the sixth season of TV's "Empire" after a high-profile case this year involving Smollett and an alleged hate crime attack, the show's co-creator Lee Daniels said Tuesday.

Daniels made the statement in a tweet disputing a Variety article that said the show's writers were preparing for Smollett's character to make a return.

"This is not factual. Jussie will NOT be returning to Empire," Daniels said.